Baltimore Ravens: Assessing the Team's Practice Squad

When the Baltimore Ravens made the final cuts to get the roster to the required 53 players on Friday, they immediately shifted their focus to the practice squad.

The practice squad, which includes eight players, was completed on Sunday when the Ravens signed veteran quarterback Dennis Dixon. The former Pittsburgh Steelers backup headlines a pretty talented group:

Dennis Dixon

After spending four seasons with the Pittsburgh Steelers, quarterback Dennis Dixon was released in the offseason. He has one touchdown and two interceptions in three career NFL starts, with one of those starts coming against the Ravens.

Depending on how quick Dixon grasps Baltimore's offense, he could compete with Tyrod Taylor for the backup quarterback job by season's end.

Anthony Allen

The second-year running back failed to make an impact in the preseason and was outplayed by rookie Bobby Rainey, which led to Allen being released on Friday.

After clearing waivers, the Ravens re-signed Allen with the hopes of him developing into a reliable special teams player and third-down running back.

Omar Brown

The undrafted rookie safety from Marshall may have had the best preseason out of any Ravens player. However, Omar Brown fell victim to a crowded group of safeties, and was eventually beat out by veteran Sean Considine.

Brown showed a knack for being a part of turnovers in the preseason, and it wouldn't be surprising to see him signed to the active roster at some point during the regular season.

Jack Cornell

The undrafted rookie offensive lineman from Illinois had an impressive preseason, as he showed that he is versatile enough to play both tackle and guard.

Depending on whether or not third-year offensive tackle Ramon Harewood progresses this season, Cornell may find himself on the active roster for a game or two.

Antoine McClain

The undrafted rookie offensive guard from Clemson spent the preseason with the Ravens and played in all four preseason games.

During his time at Clemson, McClain started 41 games, including every game from 2009-2011.

Josh Bynes

The second-year linebacker spent the 2011 season with the Baltimore Ravens, playing in just one game and failing to record a tackle.

However, Bynes was one of the star defenders of the 2010 Auburn Tigers national championship team, so there's still a chance he could develop into an impactful linebacker in the NFL.

Adrian Hamilton

Signing Adrian Hamilton could turn out to be a great move for the Ravens, as the 6'3" outside linebacker recorded 20.5 sacks for Prairie View A&M last season.

Spending the preseason with the Dallas Cowboys, Hamilton's best game was against the St. Louis Rams when he recorded three tackles and a sack.

Anthony Levine

The 5'11" cornerback spent the preseason with the Green Bay Packers and had 16 tackles and one interception before getting cut.